The Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has defended the party’s response to allegations of inducements during its recent internal elections, stating that the party lacks the authority to impose sanctions beyond reprimand.
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Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Wednesday, Mr. Gbande explained that while reports of aspirants allegedly offering television sets and cash to delegates during the February 7 primaries were troubling, the party’s internal structures limit the disciplinary measures it can enforce.
According to him, the conduct described to the party amounted to inappropriate behaviour but was not classified as a specific constitutional violation under the NDC’s existing framework.
“If the matter had been clearly captured as a constitutional breach within our structures, it would have attracted a different response,” he indicated, suggesting that the party acted within the boundaries of its rules.
His comments follow public criticism that although the NDC acknowledged incidents of vote-buying, it failed to impose strict consequences on those involved.
During the interview, host Evans Mensah pressed him on the issue, questioning why there appeared to be no significant penalties after confirmation that inducements had occurred.
In response, Mr. Gbande cited action taken against Baba Jamal, a senior government appointee and ambassador who was linked to the controversy. He noted that President John Mahama reprimanded Baba Jamal over his involvement.
He explained that the reprimand was consistent with the administration’s “reset agenda,” which has introduced a code of conduct to regulate the behaviour of government appointees.
According to Mr. Gbande, the controversy surrounding the ambassador’s involvement was sufficient basis for presidential action, and the party welcomed that decision.
However, when asked whether others implicated would face further sanctions, he reiterated that the NDC cannot exceed its constitutional mandate.
“The party cannot go beyond reprimand unless it assumes the role of a state institution, and we do not have that capacity,” he stressed.
He further argued that the NDC should be commended for publicly addressing the issue and initiating steps to curb the practice, adding that the party’s transparency sets a precedent for political accountability.
Mr. Gbande also suggested that the NDC’s stance should prompt other political parties to take similar measures when confronted with comparable allegations.
